Peru · 6 days · Easy to moderate
6-Day Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu
The standard first trip to Peru, and it is standard because it works: a day in Lima on the way in, three in and around Cusco, and Machu Picchu at the end when you are acclimatised rather than at the start when you are not.
Highlights
- Lima: the Huaca Pucllana pre-Inca site in Miraflores and the colonial centre
- Four archaeological sites around Cusco on one ticket
- Pisac and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley
- Machu Picchu with a guided circuit
Where this 6-day trip goes
- 1 Lima
- 2 Cusco Flight
- 3 Sacred Valley Road
- 4 Aguas Calientes Train
- 5 Cusco Train
Real coordinates, drawn to scale. Pick a day and the map zooms in on that leg.
Day by day
- Day 1
Welcome to Peru
Met in Lima and transferred to the hotel in Miraflores.
Overnight: Lima
- Day 2
Lima city tour
The Huaca Pucllana adobe pyramid in the middle of the modern city, then the historic centre: the colonial convent, its bell tower, the changing of the guard at the Government Palace when the schedule allows, and Santo Domingo.
Overnight: Lima
- Day 3
Fly to Cusco — city tour
Morning flight, then the afternoon at the Cathedral, Qoricancha, Qenqo and Sacsayhuamán. Take the first day slowly; Cusco is 1,200 m higher than Lima.
Overnight: Cusco
- Day 4
The Sacred Valley
Pisac and its terraces and market, lunch in the valley, then Ollantaytambo — the only place the Inca beat the Spanish in a pitched battle, and the town is still on its original Inca street grid.
Overnight: Sacred Valley or Cusco
- Day 5
Machu Picchu
Train to Aguas Calientes, bus up, guided circuit of the site, free time, and the train back down the valley.
Overnight: Cusco
- Day 6
Cusco airport
Transfer for your onward flight.
What is included
- Five nights in the selected hotel category with breakfast
- Meals as listed: 5 breakfasts, 2 set lunches
- Private service throughout
- Airport transfers in Lima and Cusco, and comfortable ground transport
- Certified English/Spanish-speaking guide
- Voyager or Expedition train ticket and the Machu Picchu entrance fee
- Lima city tour and the four Cusco archaeological sites
What is not included
- International flights and the Lima–Cusco flight
- Meals not listed
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Per person in double occupancy. Final price depends on your dates, party size and hotel category — high season and single occupancy carry supplements. Full breakdown →
When to do this trip
April to October, dry season. Book Machu Picchu entries early — daily capacity is capped.
Questions about this itinerary
How long is the 6-Day Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu?
6 days and 5 nights, starting in Lima and ending in Cusco.
How difficult is it?
Easy to moderate. Group size: Private service.
When is the best time to do this trip?
April to October, dry season. Book Machu Picchu entries early — daily capacity is capped.
What extra costs should I budget for?
Per person in double occupancy. Final price depends on your dates, party size and hotel category — high season and single occupancy carry supplements.